However, Simmons and Keaton’s roles still need to be filled, and the production is eyeing some heavyweights. Russell Crowe was recently rumoured to be circling the film, but it looks like Samuel L Jackson is the frontrunner to replace Simmons. As for Keaton’s role, the site suggests that John C Reilly is the studio’s favourite.

Meanwhile, Tom Wilkinson has also been offered a lead role.

Tom Hiddleston remains attached the film’s lead, and Kong: Skull Island will be directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts (The Kings Of Summer) from a script by John Gatins and Max Borenstein in early 2016.

Kong: Skull Island will be released on 10 March 2017 in the UK. Keep up with the latest genre news with the new issue of SciFiNow.